Casino residents outraged after Mafeking Lamp vandalised again
A war memorial has been vandalised in the Northern Rivers weeks from Christmas. An RSL secretary expressed his disappointment and says he is “sick” of the “ridiculous” damage being done in town.
Regional News
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A Northern Rivers war memorial has been vandalised and an RSL secretary has expressed his disappointment at the disrespectful behaviour just weeks out from Christmas.
Part of the glass on the heritage-listed Mafeking Lamp at the intersection of Barker St and Walker St, Casino was smashed on Sunday night.
The commemorative lamp is part of the town’s Anzac Day commemorations and is located near its Christmas tree.
Casino RSL Sub Branch secretary Owen Newell said he was “sick” of the “ridiculous” vandalism happening in the town.
Mr Newell said he believed a group of up to 14 boys aged between 11 to 15 were responsible for the damage.
“Even though it’s just minor damage it’s still just so disheartening,” he said.
The memorial is about 4.5 metres high and the lamp sits at the top of a marble column. It was named after the Siege of Mafeking, which happened during the Boer War.
According to the NSW War Memorials Register, the lamp was built and handed over to the former Casino Municipal Council on Victoria Day, May 24, 1901.
It’s unfortunately not the first time the memorial has been vandalised.
Mr Newell said vandalism was increasingly common in Casino.
“Every night there is vandalism around town and these young kids know they can get away with it, that’s what it comes down to,” he said.
“It’s got nothing to do with race because they are white, black, every race all together in this group.”
Mr Newell said Richmond Valley Council and police were doing their best to prevent such disrespectful behaviour, but it was “just not working”.
One Casino resident took to Facebook and wrote that something needed to be done to prevent further incidents.
“Their parents obviously aren’t doing their job,” she said.
“This is disgusting. The jewellers were broken into last night along with six houses at the big four caravan park and my father’s shop again!”
The memorial has several plaques attached, including Australian Defence Force insignias.
It also has three inscriptions dedicated to the areas in which sieges occurred such as Ladysmith, Kimberley and Mafeking. It also lists the names of the commanders and relieving Commanders.
Aspokesperson confirmed Richmond Valley Council was “aware of damage caused to the Mafeking Lamp in Casino over the weekend, with the lamp globe, fittings and glass surrounds damaged”.
“Electricians will be onsite tomorrow to repair the lamp and new glass is currently on order from a local supplier to complete the repair.
“If anyone has information relating to this incident, Council urges them to contact Casino Police or Crime Stoppers (on 1800 333 000).
Comment has been sought from NSW Police.
More to come.
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